Just like the Romans, the Corinthian locals are fighting over food, specifically ingredients that have been offered to idols. They lived in a pagan culture with pagan practices that some had been associated with before their conversion to Christianity. Paul warn them to not have knowledge that puffs up, but love for each other that builds up. He says that food doesn’t commend us to God, either by eating or abstaining. Also, Paul didn’t consider idols to have any real-world power.

That being said, the believers needed to honor the conscience of their brothers and sisters, not causing them feel defiled by what they do or don’t eat. He would rather not eat meat than cause his fellow believer to stumble. There are still people that abstain for religious, moral or health reasons. We also have those who struggle with substances, so not drinking around them would help them stay dry. Paul’s recommended practice is to honor one another over our own preferences in order to help the weaker member.

Food is still used in offerings haround the world.